Officers and other Civic Guardsmen of the V District in Amsterdam under the command of Captain Cornelis de Graeff and Lieutenant Hendrick Lauwrensz 1642

Jacob Backer's "Officers and other Civic Guardsmen of the V District in Amsterdam under the command of Captain Cornelis de Graeff and Lieutenant Hendrick Lauwrensz" (1642), a monumental group portrait, showcases the civic pride and military might of Amsterdam's V District. This large-scale oil painting, housed at the Rijksmuseum, portrays the diverse members of the civic guard, including their commanding officers, in a dynamic composition that emphasizes their collective strength and individual roles. Backer’s meticulous attention to detail captures the rich textures of their attire and weaponry, highlighting their social status and responsibilities. This work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with group portraiture and the importance of civic engagement.